Eller capitalized on a mistake from Ottawa defenseman Eric Gryba and beat Craig Anderson (seven goals, 23 shots) from the doorstep to give Montreal a 4-3 lead at 4:09 of the second period. Pacioretty converted his second breakaway at 15:25 before one-timing a shot from the slot at 1:09 of the third to complete his fourth career hat trick with his team-leading 38th goal.

The Senators jumped out of the blocks in a hurry as Smith scored twice in a span of 3:22 to give his team a 3-0 lead just 5:50 into the contest. Montreal chipped away as Markov banked a shot from below the goal line off Anderson at 7:22 and Weaver converted from the point two minutes later. Pacioretty tucked the puck between the pads of Anderson at 15:52 to forge a 3-3 tie.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Montreal D P.K. Subban recorded a minus-2 rating after just two shifts that lasted a total of 37 seconds. The reigning Norris Trophy winner was kept on the bench for the rest of the first period. ... Ottawa captain Jason Spezza returned after a two-game absence due to a groin injury. ... Montreal D Douglas Murray sat out the first contest of his three-game suspension for his hit to the head of Tampa Bay D Mike Kostka.